National Psychotherapy Day: Therapy Helps
I recognize that my profession sometimes has a questionable reputation, and I am trying to do my part to help restore its good name.read more
View ArticleMy Dad, the Psychodramatist
Forty years ago my father, the psychodrama and group therapy pioneer J.L.Moreno, died at the age of 84. My book about his remarkable life and the many ways he shaped our time will be published next...
View ArticleDating as Marketing
You know how when something good happens to someone you’re close to it makes you mainly happy for them but also makes you resent it and feel threatened by it? If you’re just happy for them, that’s...
View ArticleHow to Let Go of Negative Thoughts & Emotions: Self-Blame
All of us make mistakes in life. When you look back at your past deeds, perhaps there were decisions and actions you regret. There may have been unfortunate errors in judgment. You may have caused harm...
View ArticleHelping Hands: You Don't Have to Struggle Alone
You may get the support you need from family or friends but if not, look outside those relationships to find someone who can help you stay committed to improving your mental and physical health. read more
View ArticleNo Perfect People Allowed
Rebecca has spent her life trying to be perfect. Psychotherapy and research in positive psychology help her to see that optimal life goals might better be realistically set. To feel happy Rebecca...
View ArticleErasing Bad Memories Is a False Cure for PTSD
Creating the false promise that one can zap the brain and magically treat PSTD and depression misleads a gullible public. This kind of extrapolation from brain research is a dangerous practice. Lets...
View ArticleBad Mood Be Gone with 30 Seconds of Temporal Tapping
Wouldn't it be amazing if a quick 20 seconds of tapping in a circle around your right ear while you say the right magic words could instantly alleviate bad moods? Temporal tapping may really work for...
View ArticleIs addiction a "biopsychosocial" phenomenon?
Nobody likes people who say "I'm right and you're not." We've all learned to be diplomatic, so nobody's feelings get hurt. But science is different. It's about getting to the truth, not trying to find...
View ArticleThe Present and Future of Treatment for Depression
What works in treating depression? What’s on the horizon?read more
View ArticleOne Drew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Without working in prisons and jails, many clinicians may still find themselves facing forensic issues providing services in the Forensic Mental Health Hospital. Some argue that these settings are even...
View ArticleAll the Rage: Interracial Couples in the News
It’s safe to say that interracial couples in the US do not always feel safe.read more
View ArticleMoving Beyond Insecurity and Finding Relationship Happiness
If anxious attachment is a concern, Dr. Becker-Phelps offers a solution.read more
View ArticleCreative Art Therapies: Health or Mental Health Professions?
Are the creative arts therapies [art, music and dance/movement therapy] mental health or allied health professions? The answer may be “both,” but in truth, the answer is "it's complicated." As the...
View ArticleHappiness With Life 1: Hold Nothing Necessary
Living passionately, that is putting it all out there to get what you want in life, is a cornerstone of happiness. But, a big spoiler is when you think and act as if you absolutely need what you want....
View ArticleFeeling Angry? Relax. Or Don’t.
Relaxation anger management strategies are targeting a symptom, not the cause, of anger—and not even the worst symptom at that.read more
View ArticleHow to Spend the First 10 Minutes of Your Day
What's the first thing you do when you arrive at your desk? For many of us, checking email or listening to voice mail is practically automatic. In many ways, these are among the worst ways to start a...
View ArticleThe Benefit of Solitude
Being on your own is not great, but being with others can be worse. Enjoy and make the most of solitude.read more
View ArticleYou Talk, We Listen
Readers respond to our post, "A Cure for Mental Illness, so What?" If you respond to our posts, your replies may be published as well. So let us know what you're thinking.read more
View ArticleThe Gift of Anger
If you are jumpy or skittish about anger, or if you feel angry about a host of situations that other people take in stride, its utility will be greatly diminished. But if you embrace anger as a natural...
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